3 Best Ways to Improve Your Grade-Schooler’s Math Skills

Math is a fundamental skill for everyone. Throughout our lives many of our daily encounters and habits will revolve around a simple understanding of numeric concepts. It is important that young children have a basis of strong math skills for functioning in society. If children do not learn math concepts while young, it can be difficult for them to understand later on. Although  some children will struggle with math and it’s concepts, there are things that parents and caregivers can do to improve their grade schooler’s math skills. 

1. Understand The Child’s Learning Profile
   
   Young children are easily stimulated but also easily over stimulated. It’s important to understand the type of learner you have to ensure you are able to help him or her learn math skills and be successful, and to reduce the likelihood that he or she will become frustrated from not understanding.
   
   Types of Learners:
   
   Does your child learn best when presented with pictures or graphs of information? This is a visual learner. Perhaps, your child will learn from watching a video of someone doing the work, or charts explaining concepts and principles.
   
   Does your child learn best when told how to do something? This is an auditory learner. Perhaps, your child would learn best when you explain the concepts and problems to him or her, and allow time for reciting the information back to you.
   
   Does your child learn best when given the opportunity to use a hands-on approach to concepts? This is a kinesthetic learner. Perhaps, allow for a creative opportunity to practice concepts and skills.
   
   Does your child learn through written words? This is a read/write type of learner. Perhaps, your child learns by writing notes or reading information via text.
   
   By understanding the type of learner you have, you can provide personalized assignments, projects, and assistance to help your grade schooler improve his or her math skills. 
   
2. Math Meets Play
   
   As previously mentioned, children can be easily stimulated and over stimulated. Also, they can be easily frustrated. New concepts as well as old concepts can be taught through games that are likely to keep your child’s attention. (Keep in mind to tailor games to the type of learner you are working with!)
   
3. Use Real-World Examples
   
   There is nothing better than allowing for concrete, world real examples of math concepts to occur. Whether it’s taking your child to the grocery store to pay for a few small items, or measuring the ingredients in a recipe, use everyday occurrences to give your child practice with concepts.

With all learning, consistency and practice makes perfect. Always make sure you and your child are practicing concepts and skills that have been learned to promote retention. Finding time and ways to practice are essential if you want to help your grade-schooler improve his or her math skills. 

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